Wavelet analysis of shielded radiological material: The applicability of wavelet analysis for National Security

The presence of radiological and/or nuclear material is often detected directly or inferred through the analysis of emitted neutrons and gammas. In scenarios applicable to National Security, recognition of spectral features can be complicated by closely lying signals, suppressed through extensive shielding or disguised within low resolution data. Work has been completed over recent years on the application of wavelet analysis to radiation spectra showing success in peak identification and localisation for low resolution data. This paper discusses an exploration into the limits of resolution, the extent to which overlapping peaks can be resolved and the success and limitations of pattern recognition for shielded radiological material.